This Chinese Beef and Broccoli dish offers an irresistible combination of tender beef and crisp broccoli, all coated in a rich, flavorful sauce. The sauce is perfectly balanced with savory soy sauce, sweet hoisin, and a touch of sesame oil, giving it that authentic take-out flavor.
The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity—it’s quick to make and requires just a few staple ingredients. You can adjust the heat level with chili flakes or keep it mild for a family-friendly option. Whether you’re serving it over rice or noodles, this dish will become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Full Recipe:
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500g (1 lb) beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 onion, thinly sliced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon ginger, minced
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2 cups broccoli florets
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1/4 cup beef broth
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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2 tablespoons oyster sauce
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1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
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1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
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Sesame seeds (for garnish)
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Fresh coriander (for garnish)
Directions:
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Toss the thinly sliced beef in cornstarch until well coated.
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Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and cook until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
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In the same pan, add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
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Add the beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir to combine.
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Return the cooked beef to the pan and toss everything together. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the beef is coated in the sauce and heated through.
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Optional: Add chili flakes for a bit of heat.
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Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh coriander.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 300 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Chinese Beef and Broccoli
Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a beloved dish in Chinese-American cuisine, often associated with take-out menus across the world. This dish brings together tender slices of beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce that has become iconic in the hearts of food lovers everywhere. The dish is a great representation of how Chinese culinary techniques have adapted and evolved in the United States, creating a comfort food classic that’s both delicious and easy to make at home.
The Cultural Significance of Chinese Beef and Broccoli
While Chinese Beef and Broccoli may not have deep historical roots in traditional Chinese cuisine, it has certainly made its mark in the Western world. The dish likely originated in Chinese-American kitchens during the late 20th century, when Chinese immigrants began tailoring their recipes to cater to Western tastes. It became a staple in Chinese-American restaurants, thanks to its straightforward preparation and universally appealing flavors. Today, it’s one of the most ordered dishes in Chinese take-out and is known for its simple yet satisfying ingredients: beef, broccoli, and a rich, umami-packed sauce.
This dish exemplifies the fusion of Eastern and Western culinary traditions, where ingredients like soy sauce and hoisin meet the familiar textures and tastes of beef and broccoli—ingredients readily available in most Western kitchens. Though it has a relatively short history, Chinese Beef and Broccoli has quickly become a part of the cultural fabric of Chinese-American food, symbolizing the accessibility and versatility of Chinese cuisine to non-Chinese communities.
The Flavor Profile of Chinese Beef and Broccoli
The flavor profile of Chinese Beef and Broccoli is what makes it so irresistible. The sauce is the star of the show—made with a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil, it has a deep, savory umami flavor that coats the beef and broccoli perfectly. The sweetness from hoisin sauce balances out the salty soy sauce, creating a harmonious sauce that ties all the ingredients together.
The beef, typically flank steak or sirloin, is thinly sliced, making it tender and easy to cook quickly at high heat. This quick cooking method ensures the beef remains juicy and tender, soaking up the savory sauce without becoming tough. The broccoli adds a touch of earthiness and crunch, balancing out the rich, flavorful sauce and adding some much-needed freshness to the dish.
The addition of ginger and garlic enhances the dish’s aromatic qualities, giving it depth and complexity. And for those who enjoy a little heat, chili flakes can be added for an extra kick, making the dish even more exciting. The interplay between the tender beef, crisp broccoli, and flavorful sauce is what makes Chinese Beef and Broccoli a perennial favorite among many.
Tips for Making the Dish Extra Delicious
There are a few ways to take your Chinese Beef and Broccoli to the next level and make it stand out. Here are some helpful tips:
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Marinate the Beef: While the beef is typically tossed in cornstarch before cooking, marinating it for 15-30 minutes in a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sugar can make it even more tender and flavorful.
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Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli, steamed or blanched just until tender, adds both texture and color to the dish. Overcooked broccoli can become mushy and lose its vibrant green color.
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Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch to the sauce mixture. Conversely, for a lighter, more soupy dish, use less cornstarch.
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Opt for High-Quality Sauces: Using high-quality soy sauce and oyster sauce can make a significant difference in the final flavor. If you can, choose a less salty soy sauce to avoid overpowering the dish.
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Add a Touch of Sweetness: For a slightly sweeter variation, consider adding a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar to the sauce. It will enhance the savory flavor without overwhelming the dish.
How to Personalize Your Chinese Beef and Broccoli
One of the beauties of Chinese Beef and Broccoli is how easily it can be customized. While broccoli is the traditional vegetable of choice, you can swap it out for other veggies, depending on your preferences or what you have on hand. For instance, snow peas, bell peppers, or even asparagus would work well in place of the broccoli.
If you’re not a fan of beef, chicken, pork, or even tofu can be substituted. For a vegan option, tofu is a great choice—its firm texture soaks up the sauce beautifully, making it just as satisfying as beef. Additionally, you can experiment with different sauces to give the dish a unique twist, such as adding a little bit of black bean sauce or using tamari for a gluten-free version of the recipe.
If you love spice, you can also adjust the heat level to your liking. Adding more chili flakes or even a dash of chili paste can make the dish more exciting without overpowering the other flavors. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder dish, simply skip the chili flakes or reduce the amount of ginger.
Serving Suggestions for Chinese Beef and Broccoli
Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. The most traditional method is to serve it over steamed white rice, allowing the rice to soak up the savory sauce. For a more hearty option, serve it with fried rice or noodles—these alternatives add even more texture and flavor to the meal.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can pair this dish with cauliflower rice or even zucchini noodles. These low-carb options still complement the flavors of the beef and broccoli while keeping the dish healthy and satisfying.
To make your meal even more well-rounded, you can serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli with other Chinese-inspired sides like spring rolls, dumplings, or hot and sour soup. A simple cucumber salad or pickled vegetables would also be a refreshing addition, providing a nice contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the beef.
Conclusion: Why Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a Must-Try Dish
Chinese Beef and Broccoli has earned its spot as one of the most popular Chinese-American dishes, and for good reason. It offers a perfect balance of flavors—savory, slightly sweet, and just a touch of spice—all tied together with a rich, umami sauce. The dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or even a weekend meal to impress guests.
Whether you stick with the traditional version or customize it to your liking, Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a dish that never disappoints. Its versatility and comforting flavors make it a go-to for both beginners in the kitchen and seasoned cooks alike. If you haven’t yet tried making this dish at home, now is the perfect time to give it a shot. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right in the comfort of your own home.